Linwood VFD’s ‘Chitlins and Pulled Pork’ always a favorite event

The new Linwood Volunteer Fire Department station isn’t quite ready to be occupied, but the public is going to get a preview tour Feb. 23.

Linwood will be holding its annual “Chitlins and Pulled Pork” fundraiser at the new station, which is located on County Road 325 across from the Linwood Baptist Church.

“This is just a preview event,” said Fire Chief Steven Clark. “We still have some work to do on the inside. Once we are finished, we will have an official open house.

“The Chitlins and Pulled Pork sale is a fundraiser we have been doing for 20 years. Tickets are $10 and we have always had good support.”

Also, Lane Taylor Auctions will be there, starting at 2 p.m.

Clark said while Linwood has three other fire stations in different locations around the district, there was a need for the new fire station. Linwood serves 750 households. Planning and fundraising went on for about two years. Construction actually began last August.

“It has definitely been a community project,” Clark said. “We have had different contractors work on it. And some of our board members and firemen have done work.”

It is a three bay station. When completed, it will hold two pumpers and a water truck. They have three other water trucks located around the district. There are also hydrants located in the district.

The Linwood VFD has 16 active firefighters and is always looking for more volunteers. The district has an 8 rating. “There is always a job that needs doing,” Clark said.

Volunteer firefighters are required to go through a training program monthly and Clark said his department trains with Fairview and Hope.

“We work closely together,” said Clark. “Everyone has a job. If we don’t have but two or three firefighters available when something comes up, we ask them for help. We all work together.”